TEMPOart commission temporary public art that sparks dialogue, builds community, and inspires our collective imagination.

Each year new projects from TEMPOart enliven Portland’s public spaces. We present art that doesn’t need a ticket or an instruction manual to make the power and possibility of art free, open, and inclusive. Our projects and events help people see their world in a new way, or just go through their day with a new found energy–feeling less alone, alive with wonder, and knowing more is possible.

We partner with other educational and cultural institutions, building upon each project to offer inspiring learning opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, charitable contributions are vital to making public art free and accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. It is thanks to our generous donors that TEMPOart is able to serve Portland. None of it is possible without you.

We seek work that will be a catalyst for our mission to spark dialogue, build community, and inspire our collective imagination.

TEMPOart seeks artists, architects, designers, and landscape architects to design and realize a temporary outdoor public work of art to begin in June, 2025. The maximum budget is $25,000 (inclusive of artist fees and any associated travel). The RFQ deadline is June 16, 2024. 

Teams and Collectives are invited to apply but must identify a single person in the application who will represent the work of the group. 

TEMPOart’s work is to support temporary public art. TEMPOart's objective is to support public art of two (2) years duration.

The installation will be located outdoors at the plaza of City Hall on Congress Street in Portland, ME.

Application Requirements

TEMPOart asks those responding to this RFQ to submit the following information:

• A resume or CV, including a link to the artist’s website, if applicable
• Photos or videos of up to 5 different pieces of previously completed,  with a maximum of 3 detail shots per piece, including any outdoor public artworks. Please upload no more than 10 photos and/or videos in total.
• An Artist Statement of no more than 300 words (excluding spaces) to share why the artist is interested in the opportunity. 
• Artists who may not have previously completed an outdoor public art project of this magnitude should use the Artist Statement to describe how they would meet this opportunity. Please include the outdoor artwork qualifications of any partners you are planning to work with.

Eligibility Criteria

Artist must be a New England resident.